The use of force is not acceptable under any circumstances whatsoever, says the Ministry of External Affairs
New Delhi lodged a strong protest with Colombo after firing by the Sri Lankan Navy injured Indian fishermen on Tuesday (January 28, 2025). The fishermen were on board a fishing vessel. While the MEA summoned Sri Lanka’s Acting High Commissioner to register the protest, the Indian High Commission in Colombo has also taken up the matter with Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The use of force is not acceptable under any circumstances whatsoever, the MEA said.

The incident of firing by the Sri Lankan Navy during the apprehension of 13 Indian fishermen in the proximity of Delft Island was reported in the early hours of the morning.

According to details shared by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), two fishermen who were on board the fishing vessel have sustained serious injuries and are currently receiving treatment at the Jaffna Teaching Hospital. Three other fishermen received minor injuries and have been treated for the same. 

Indian Consulate Officials in Jaffna have visited the injured fishermen at the hospital to seek their welfare and are extending all possible assistance to the fishermen and their families, the MEA said.

“The Sri Lankan Acting High Commissioner in New Delhi was called in today morning to the Ministry of External Affairs and a strong protest was lodged over the incident. Our High Commission in Colombo has also raised the matter with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Sri Lankan government,” the MEA said in a statement.

The MEA pointed out that the Indian government has always emphasized the need to treat issues pertaining to fishermen in a humane and humanitarian manner, keeping in mind livelihood concerns. “The use of force is not acceptable under any circumstances whatsoever. Existing understandings between the two Governments in this regard must be strictly observed,” the statement emphasised.